Sawtelle said in the statement that officers responded to a call about 12 p.m. Tuesday for a past breaking and entering, larceny from a building and stolen motor vehicle from a residence in the 500 block of Nantasket Avenue.

Butler, the victim, reported a safe containing a quantity of cash was stolen, along with his motor vehicle,

During the course of the investigation, the vehicle was recovered a short distance away on Beach Avenue, the chief said.

While at Butler's residence, officers discovered what appeared to be an explosive device, Sawtelle said. Hull police secured the scene, and the Hull Fire Department, along with the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, responded to the area.

The bomb squad rendered the device, an approximately 5-inch cylinder packed with what appears to be explosive powder, to be safe, he said. A state trooper assigned to the fire marshal's office took possession of the device.

Sawtelle said the alleged breaking and entering at Butler's residence is still under investigation and no arrests have been made.